GAMES
RANKINGS
Second Baptist's Reese Alston
BEYOND THE SHADOW: “Lil Skip” Alston mutes doubters, building legacy at SBS
The junior point guard for Second Baptist is steadily shaping a modernized reputation on the court, showcasing consistency and
an ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.
Standing 6-foot-2, Alston racked up 763 points, 187 assists, 154 rebounds, and 88 steals last season, helping the Eagles secure a 33-4 record and a commanding 65-47 victory over Grace Prep in the TAPPS-5A State Championship—the program’s fourth overall title and first since 2018.
Postseason recognition followed, with Alston collecting TAPPS-5A Player of the Year, District MVP, and State Tournament MVP honors. From a recruiting standpoint, the four-star prospect has drawn interest from D1 powers including Purdue, Houston, Kentucky, and Texas Tech, among a host of others, signaling that his recruitment is reaching national heights.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
While his pedigree and skill are impressive, Alston credits his father’s guidance for shaping both his approach to the game.
“He’s coached me all my life, since my AAU days. One of the biggest things he’s instilled in me is a sense of unwavering focus,” Alston said. “Similar to what my Dad faced in his career, there are going to be doubters and haters along the way. But he taught me that I need to just keep putting in the work behind the scenes, and let all the noise roll off my back in order to overcome that.”
Alston also excels under the attention that comes with being the No. 3-ranked player in Texas.
“Honestly, I like the hostile environment that comes with the spot I’m in,” he said. “If you get that kind of attention and pressure, it usually means you’re doing something right. It’s easy to get distracted. But, I think that I’ve been able to handle those moments pretty well up to this point, and I’m ready for the ones that are ahead.”
When it comes to preparation, “Lil Skip” keeps it simple.
“I try not to over think it or get too locked in before games,” he said. “For me, the best way to get in the right headspace is just hanging out with the guys—usually listening to Kodak Black, Chief Keef, and Drake while we warm up.”
2025-26 Second Baptist BasketballMatt Powell (VYPE)
Now that Second Baptist begins its title defense, the target on their backs is larger than ever.
“Coach (Taylor Land) told us that it won’t be easy and that there are definitely going to be some teams who play that much harder against us because of it,” Alston said. “So, this year is about getting everyone prepared for the adversity we’ll face and being ready to show how we respond.”
For Reese Alston, it’s about more than continuing a family legacy. It’s about evolving his own—one shot, one game, and one championship run at a time.
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The stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Girls Soccer
FULL TIME: 2025 TAPPS-D2 Girls Soccer State Final Preview -- Second Baptist vs. All Saints Episcopal
Under the guidance of TAPPS-II District 4 Coach of the Year Geoff Brooks, the Eagles have thrived behind a deep and talented roster.
One of the biggest surprises has been freshman Bailey Ultis, who leads the team in goals and has showcased versatility as both a forward and midfielder. She’s joined by key contributors like first-team all-district selection Syriah DeBakey (Jr. MF/D) and second-teamer Amy Menendez (Sr. F), both instrumental in the attack.
In goal, freshman Jeanne Hollingshead has been a standout, while Berkley Blount (So. MF), Willa Levine (So. F), Carson Patterson (So. D), and Sophie Nicholson (Fr. F/MF) have all played pivotal roles in the Eagles’ success.
Despite reaching the State Final Four three times in program history, Second Baptist has yet to claim a championship. With their current momentum, this could be their moment.
However, All Saints Episcopal has other plans.
Led by Coach Gilbert Richardson, the Saints enter the final fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 semifinal victory over defending TAPPS-II champions Grace Community. Their playoff journey also included dominant wins over Bishop Dunne Catholic (7-1) and 2024 semifinalist Regents School of Austin (1-0).
After missing the playoffs last season, All Saints Episcopal’s resurgence has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Veteran leadership has been a driving force, with senior defender Hope Monk (2024 second-team all-district), junior midfielder Lilianna Chavez (honorable mention), and sophomore goalkeeper Shyanne Bailey (honorable mention) setting the tone.
This marks just the second State Final appearance in program history for the Saints, the first coming in 2000 when they captured the TAPPS-4A title before the league’s playoff restructuring.
With both teams chasing history, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Second Baptist secure its long-awaited first championship, or will All Saints Episcopal complete its remarkable turnaround with a title?
Find out Wednesday at 2:30 PM in Round Rock.